Eleanor Jean Winter, age 90, of Buffalo Center passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. 

She was born on October 8, 1935, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, to Maynard and Ione (Banta) Mabus. Eleanor's journey through life was filled with love, laughter, and a spirit that brightened the lives of all who knew her. 

Eleanor graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1953, where she met the love of her life, Donald Winter, at a café. Their connection was immediate and deep, often leading her to skip school for thrilling motorcycle rides with him. Their love story began while Don served in the military; during his two-week leave, they married and shared almost 62 beautiful years together. 

Together, Eleanor and Don built a life on a farm outside of Elmore and then moved to Buffalo Center, where they continued to farm and raise their three daughters. A dedicated wife and mother, Eleanor played a vital role in the family farm; she also worked as a CNA at Nave Hospital and in housekeeping at Timely Mission Nursing Home, where her compassion and caring nature touched countless lives. They retired to town in 2013. Eleanor eventually relocated to Clear Lake to be closer to her beloved daughters. 

Eleanor found joy in many things: creating ceramics, shopping, tending to a flourishing garden, and canning the produce from her efforts. Her culinary skills were legendary, and she delighted in spoiling her family with delectable homemade goods that are still not able to be duplicated…we’ve all tried! 

Eleanor embraced the joys of life wholeheartedly, especially during the holidays, when her festive spirit shone brightly through her decorations, particularly for Christmas. Her social life was robust, filled with card games, birthday club meetings, and lunches with friends, where her candid conversations left a lasting impression. 

Eleanor's legacy of love and resilience will be cherished dearly by her daughters, Debra (Bruce) Heyer of Clear Lake, Colleen Winter of Clear Lake, and Pam (Paul) Miller of Boone. Her seven grandchildren; Jarvis (Tracy) Jutting, Kiki Jutting, Jeremy Heyer, Jennifer (Wade) Roberts, Maggie Miller, Caldwell (Rachel) Miller and Sam Miller. Bonus daughter Kristi Miller, 10 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren, her sister Arliss Hove and brother-in-law, Mick Costigan, and sisters-in-laws, Barbara Schroeder, Carol Evers and Janice Winter as well as other extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Don; sister, Lois; parents; and brothers-in-laws.

The family invites everyone to come share in some memories and fellowship from 11am-1pm Saturday June 13th at the Heritage Town Center in Buffalo Center.